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How To Train Your Auror	By : Alcoholic_Rootbeer Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 7512 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, and I will not make a profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 11
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The lion sits in his den and waits for the lady to show her face
So he can pounce
Ohh, what a disgrace, just so he can get a taste of her sweet embrace
The devil hides in the sun and waits for a girl to call his number one
And while it's daylight they'll have some fun
But trust me baby when you need him he's gone
The spider spawns a web of lies
If this woman aint careful she'll be food in his eyes
And even if you learn to struggle away
Doesn't mean you wont get caught again
"The Lion, The Devil, & The Spider" by Kate Nash
Monday morning, Hermione awoke early by the surprise pecking of Archimedes at her window. In his talon was a neatly packaged brown box. When she opened it, she found a scone and a note inside.
'Morning, Granger. See you soon. D.M.'
She caught herself smiling as she tossed the covers off of her and began to nibble the scone. By the time she arrived back from her kitchen with food for Archimedes, she was grinning from ear to ear. It was just a scone, but it was something, wasn't it? A gesture of kindness. Of friendship.
Her doorbell rang.
Surely it couldn't be…? She dashed to the hallway mirror and checked herself. There were dark circles under her eyes and her hair was particularly disheveled. It rang again, and she admonished herself for thinking so much on her looks. She took to the door and opened it, expecting to see Draco, but instead found the soft, green eyes of Harry. He looked as if he hadn't slept a wink.
"Hey, Hermione." He grinned. "Mind if I come in?"
"Harry. Oh, of course not." She opened the door wider to let him through, and followed his lead to sit on the sofa. She couldn't have had a better opportunity drop into her lap. "Are you hungry?"
"Not really, but thanks." He closed his eyes and yawned. "I've been doing double duties while we repair the streets of Diagon Alley. It's been pretty taxing."
"You could always ask the trainees to help."
"I have."
"But I wasn't-"
"You suffered a mild concussion and hearing loss, Hermione. You think I'm going to send you out so soon?"
"You need to stop protecting me," she scolded him. "I'm capable of taking care of myself." It had been like this ever since Ron passed. Anytime Hermione stubbed her toe or went both ways without crossing the street, Harry had been right there to become the overprotective brother figure. It had all gotten so overwhelming, she had pulled away once she had applied herself as an Auror. She hadn't want to stop being friends -but she didn't want to be treated like a handicap either. The loss of Ron had truly caused a rift between her and Harry.
"I know." He nodded, opening his eyes to look apologetically at her. "I guess… after losing Ron, you being an Auror has been hard for me to process. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you too."
"You're not going to lose me, Harry." Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder. "So what brings you over?"
"Diggle and I've been talking. He thinks you're not telling us the whole truth about Friday evening, and quite frankly I'm starting to believe him. Dean's not a lair, and he wasn't mistaken when he said Malfoy ran through the gate first. Did you really think he'd be the only witness?"
Hermione bit down on her tongue, scolding herself. She knew it had been too easy. "I want to tell you, Harry, I really do." She sighed. "It's just… not my place to say anything."
"What's going on, Mione?"
What could she tell him? Without giving away Malfoy's secrets? "Have you heard of a wizard named Bastian Cane?"
Harry narrowed his eyes. "How do you know about him?"
Hermione's heart began to race. "So you have?"
"There's been whispers that a man by the name of Cane has been kidnapping wanted wizards. Just whispers, though. So far we haven't even been able to ascertain an ID. The man is a figurative ghost. No one under Ministry records has ever gone by that name.-What does he have to do with-"
"I have it on good authority that Bastian Cane was behind the Diagon Alley attack Friday night."
Harry's back stiffened. "Whose authority?"
"…I can't tell you."
"Hermione, that's hardly anything to go off of. I can't follow leads on whims-"
"And I think," she said, ignoring him, "That he's behind the death of Ron as well."
He gave a heavy sigh. There was pain etched in his eyes. Oh, boy, here it came again… "We've been over this. Ron's death was an accident." So stubborn.
"But what if it weren't? If you'd just let me take a look at the files…"
"No." He sat up straight, his voice suddenly very serious. "Why do you want to open up old wounds, Hermione? Why can't you just accept Ron died the way he did? Ginny has, I have, his entire family has -but you still cling to this notion like it's a life raft-"
"Harry Potter," Hermione scolded him. "When I get a feeling in my stomach, I follow it. You used to do the same. Has being behind a desk dampened your instincts?"
Harry stood up. His face was unreadable. Long hours at the Ministry and years of being an Auror had given him this ability. She used to could read it so well… "Write a formal report, then. If you really think that Bastian Cane had anything to do with this, give me your source. I have to follow protocol, Hermione. You know I do. This isn't when we were kids -I can't bend the rules for you all the time."
Hermione frowned. "This isn't you. What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing's wrong with me. I've looked over Ron's case a hundred times. Do you really think that I'd let a single detail slip through my fingers? He was my best friend. -I'll listen to you about Cane. But I'm sorry, Hermione. You need to let Ron go."
"Harry…"
He walked over to the door and jerked it open. With a heavy slam, he left. Hermione's face was one of sheer confusion. Why would Harry act this way? It wasn't like him at all. She understood he was stressed -being head of the Auror Division must have been a very stressful job indeed. But his words… You need to let Ron go. What would ever possess him to be so heartless?
She felt loads better about her plan with Draco. "Fine, Harry," she whispered. "If you won't tell me what's going on, I'll be glad to take matters into my own hands."
Draco was already seated at their assigned desk when Hermione arrived. It surprised her- normally, he'd slip in right before class would start. When he noticed her, he cracked a sly smile and patted the seat next to him. "Hermione."
"Draco." She nodded, taking her seat. She looked around the room to the empty chairs, hear heart sinking when she came to Roman Romero's. What would happen to Dean now that his partner was gone? Dean and Roman had grown close -she could only imagine what he was going through. She'd be sure to talk to him about it after training. "I received your owl this morning. -Thank you."
"You're quite welcome." Draco glanced around the room as well, then whispered, "Right. Well, I've taken the time to stroll through the Auror Division this morning. Said I was taking inventory of where I'd want my desk."
"I'm sure everyone believed the arrogance," she chided. He ignored it.
"We've got this in the bag, Granger. All you need to do is set the bait. Have you?"
"Not yet."
"Well get on that. Wear a tight shirt- put on some red lipstick. You have a job to do."
"Is that what you think makes a woman attractive? Skimp and makeup?"
"Of course not. But it doesn't hurt."
The door opened, and trainee hopeful Simon Simmons barreled through. His hair was a brilliant shade of magenta -Hermione couldn't help but laugh under her breath. She heard Draco snigger right along with her.
"You think that's funny, Malfoy?" Simmons grumbled, throwing his book bag on the desk and thumping his thick body to them until he hovered just above Draco. "Cast the counter-jinx. Now."
"Simmons, if you're incapable of removing a simple coloring jinx, I hardly doubt you'll make much of an Auror at all," Draco quipped, raising an eyebrow.
"Now, Malfoy."
"Perhaps if you asked politely," Hermione retorted, "I'm sure Draco would be glad to remove the jinx."
"And who asked for your opinion? You stupid, little-"
"-I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you," Draco interrupted him. "Been there. Done that."
"I don't have all bloody day! Remove the stupid jinx!"
"Well, if you won't, I will." Hermione made to stand, but Simmons grabbed her shoulder and shoved her back down.
"Get your grimy paw off of her." Draco jumped up from his chair, squaring Simmons up.
"S'just a woman." Simmons shrugged indifferently. "Are we s'posed to be impressed?"
That was it. She had heard the jostles and whispers in the halls. It had been ages since a woman applied for an Auror position after the War, she knew, but this was ridiculous. -It was Hermione's turn to jump in. She withdrew her wand as if she were holding a dagger and pointed it directly at the arrogant toe-rag. "When I was in school, one of the bravest Aurors I've ever met gave their life in the Battle of Hogwarts. Her name was Nymphadora Tonks. That's right, a woman Auror. Shall I make you a list of some of the bravest women Aurors in History? Alice Longbottom. The mother of your former Herbology teacher, Neville Longbottom. Venusia Crickerly, who later went on to become Minister of Magic in 1903. Myself, who is going to best you in every way possible and will wipe that arrogant smirk right off of your face if you don't learn to show some respect for the women who gave their lives to the cause!" She pressed the tip of her wand to his nose. "And just because other women my age would rather be married with families, does not give you the right to downsize my accomplishments."
Other trainees began to filter in, stopping to see the spectacle. Simmons looked as if he were going to be eaten alive by cockroaches as Auror Diggle pushed through the crowd. "I was wondering when she would finally break." He swept his eyes over the students and then stared directly at Hermione. "Well, Miss Granger. What will you do?"
Hermione's eyes widened, and she withdrew her wand immediately. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm not sure what came over me."
"I do. It's called pride." Diggle looked to Simmons. "Take a seat, Auror Simmons, if you plan to keep your nose intact. I don't think I'd dare stand in the way of a witch at war.- Everyone take a seat, in fact. We have a lot to discuss." Diggle approached his desk as Auror after Auror took their seats. Hermione noticed that Dean wasn't in attendance.
"Sir?" She raised her hand.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"Where is Auror Thomas?"
"He's been excused for the day. He suffered some internal bruising in wake of the events at the Leaky Cauldron. And with the loss of Auror Romero…" The room of wizards seemed to keen silently at the loss, "I thought it prudent to let him rest. Speaking of the Leaky," He tossed his briefcase on the table, "Obviously, the events of this weekend weigh heavily on everyone's minds this morning. But I implore you -do not let these recent events turn your perceptions. This is what being an Auror is all about. Know that we will find the culprits of these fiendish attacks and bring them to justice. If you have any doubts about how you stomach the events at Diagon Alley, you may resign and leave. -Good God, Simmons. What have you done to your hair?"
"Greg, might I have a moment?" Hermione asked after the class had spilled out for the day.
"Of course, Hermione." Auror Diggle sat down his quill. "How are you feeling? I came back to check on you in the morning, but you were already gone."
"I was discharged. -Auror Malfoy took me home." It was a small lie, but considering that telling Greg that she had spent the majority of the following morning kissing and/or confiding in Draco Malfoy might not go over well, she thought it might be best.
"That was… rather kind of him. How are things going in that department?"
"That's what I want to talk to you about." She drew her leg up atop the table and sat precariously on top of Diggle's desk. It had been a long time since Hermione had attempted to appear sexy -she felt as if she looked like a cat attempting to stretch. Far from fetching, but Diggle didn't seem to mind. "See, sir, I've gotten to know Auror Malfoy very well, and I don't view him as a threat to the Ministry."
"Is that so?" Diggle raised a handsome eyebrow.
"Perhaps… we could discuss it… over dinner sometime?"
Greg's full lips cracked a grin. "Am I reading too much into this, or are you asking me out on a date?" The word date made Hermione's heart stammer. She hadn't gone on a date in years. And she didn't know how she felt about Greg Diggle being her first one -especially since she was doing it to keep him occupied. What would he expect to do? Hold hands? Kiss? What if he tasted like soup or garlic or not like Draco? She inwardly reprimanded herself. Focus, Hermione.
"I feel as though if we call it that, it breaks Ministry polices. Doesn't it?"
"There's no rule that says we aren't allowed to be out together outside of work."
"Then… I suppose it is a date."
Diggle stood up from his seat and leaned forward on the table, eager. "Wonderful. Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to this weekend, but perhaps the next?"
"Next weekend would be great." She attempted her best smile. Her mind racing, she added, "Maybe would could ask Ginny and Harry if they'd like to join us. A double date!" She clapped her hands for show, though to be honest she was very pleased with herself. This way she could kill two birds with one stone; guarantee Harry and Greg out of the office, and not be completely alone on her first date. At least she could feel relief that he wouldn't get too handsy.
Diggle's face dropped. "Yes, I suppose we could invite them as well. The more the merrier." Clearly, it wasn't. But Hermione wasn't about to take the hint.
"I'm so glad you see it that way. Thank you, Greg." She picked herself up off of his table, grabbed up her book bag, and waved at him as she left. "See you tomorrow!"
When she came round the corner of the hall, she found Draco leaned up against a broom closet door, his arms crossed. "Well? Did you give him a good show?"
"I hate playing the flirty female. It truly degrades my abilities as a witch when I have to put on."
"I'm sure you didn't have to put on much. We both know you like him."
"Do we?"
"I was in your mind, remember?"
She nibbled on her lower lip. "Yes. I quite remember. -So why are you skulking around the Ministry hall after hours? Simply to see how my date preparations were? I could have owled you."
"I know." He smirked. "Just wanted to see your face when you said it. What will you wear? A dress? A low plunging neckline? I mean, you hardly have the goods for that, but I suppose a few enhancement spells…"
Hermione slammed her book bag into his stomach, silencing him. "What I wear will be between Diggle and myself. It isn't your business."
"I'm just saying -I've seen you naked. I would know how you should dress in order to accent your best features."
She couldn't tell if he was being serious or simply toying with her. "Yes, well, I have seen myself naked as well. I think I have this."
"I think you haven't. Your idea of proper clothes include wooly socks and Mary-Janes."
"Is this what it means to be friends with you? Scrutiny? Even now?"
"Always."
She started on her way to the Grand Hall Entrances, and he followed her. "I assure you. I know exactly what to wear."
"If you say so…"
They walked together in silence for a time. Hermione spoke first. "Why are you here? Really? Shouldn't you be at home, brooding?"
"…Astoria is retrieving the last of her things. I thought it best if I wasn't home for that."
"What about Scorpius? Wouldn't you want to see him?"
"Of course." He scowled. "But as per our custody agreement, it isn't my time with him."
"Are you nervous?" She stopped on her heels, turning to him. "To do it on your own?"
"What? Take care of my son? No. -Astoria's been leaving him alone with me most nights, since I work during the day."
"When do you find time to sleep?"
"When I'm dead."
"And what about when you go to work? What happens to Scorpius then?"
"You're awfully interested in my personal life all of a sudden." He cocked an eyebrow, watching her as she waited expectantly. "I've hired a caretaker for the time I work."
Hermione smiled softly, an idea forming. "Do you think it would be possible… when you have him, if I watched him a few hours in the evening? So you could rest, of course."
"You just want the opportunity to steal my son."
"Perhaps."
He smirked down towards her. "If I get to pick out your outfit for your date."
"Why are you so eager to dress me up?"
"Because, my dear Granger, I have no social life anymore and getting the opportunity to dress you up in something that would make you feel uncomfortable pleases me."
"Ever the Slytherin-alumni, aren't you?"
"You wouldn't have me any other way."
No, she smiled to herself, she really wouldn't. This new alliance with him was… exciting. It wasn't just that it took the edge off of the heavy. Something about getting to know a softer side of Draco did things to her insides. Sometimes it mashed them up, sometimes it made them jump, but they still sparked to life when she caught him laughing without calculation or lighting up a room with his smile. He took up a space in her heart that had been empty for nearly a year -someone she could be herself around, warts and all, and not be judged for it. Someone who didn't scowl at her every time she voiced her opinions.
"Never change, Draco," she whispered, setting her head on his shoulder.
"Only evolve," he agreed.
In the wake of so much death and destruction, two magical folk found solace in each other. And wasn't that, in itself, magical?
Alright. I hope this cleared up some confusion that's been mucking up the story. I apologize for not making more clear about Harry's opinions in this. (But that's why reviews are so important -to grow and evolve as a writer. Thank you all so much for helping me along.)
If you're thinking Harry has been acting OOC, you're right. He is. Plot, dearies. SO much plot.
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How To Train Your Auror